CUTS to the county council must end to 'stop services buckling under the strain,' according to Labour's group leader.

The authority will set its budget for 2019/20 today, with Liz Brighouse and Liberal Democrat group leader Richard Webber set to pose alternative policies.

Mrs Brighouse will say ''short termism' in funding coupled with services at breaking point, massive additional demand, staff shortages and Brexit...will have crippling consequences on the most vulnerable people in our society'.

Herald Series:

Liz Brighouse

She will argue the council should change the way it is run to save £1m over the next two years – from a cabinet system now to one run by a leader, a deputy leader and five committees.

Her party will also say eight detached youth workers should be employed at the cost of £320,000 over the next two years.

The Liberal Democrats will say six youth support workers should be funded for 2019/20, at the cost of £245,000.

Mr Webber will argue the cabinet system should stay at the county council – but that three members should be cut, saving about £60,000 over the next year.

But he will also argue that the idea of a unitary authority must still be explored, despite it being parked by Government last year.

Mr Webber will say it is the 'only long-term solution to local government finances'.